HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) Taiwan and Somaliland have launched a new agricultural demonstration and training farm under the Seed Industry Development Project, marking a new phase in their cooperation on seed production, modern farming techniques and food security.
This pilot agricultural project, a collaboration between Taiwan and Somaliland, has been launched in the Awbarkhadle area, located east of Hargeisa.
The facility was inaugurated by Somaliland Minister of Agricultural Development Adan Geeddi Qayaad, alongside ministry officials, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Somaliland Allen C. Lou, representatives of the Taiwan Technical Mission and agricultural officials from Maroodi-Jeeh region.
The demonstration and training farm is designed to provide a practical learning and research platform for farmers, agricultural experts, ministry extension workers and university students. It will showcase modern farming methods, crop management techniques and approaches to seed production.
The project is being jointly implemented by Somaliland’s Ministry of Agricultural Development and the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF).
Somaliland agriculture ministry highlights food security role
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister Adan Geeddi Qayaad described the launch as an important step for Somaliland’s agricultural sector.
“Today is an important day for the Ministry of Agricultural Development and for the entire agricultural community of Somaliland. Agriculture is essential to food security, livelihoods, the economy of farmers and the country’s economic development.”
He said the new farm would provide farmers and agricultural professionals with an opportunity to learn and observe modern and improved farming practices.
“This farm will serve as a practical site where farmers, agricultural experts, extension workers and students can learn and observe modern and improved farming methods.”
The minister said the facility would also help demonstrate improved seed production, crop management and agricultural technologies.
“It will also help us demonstrate good practices in seed production, crop management and other technologies that can contribute to the development of agriculture.”
Somaliland praises Taiwan agricultural support
Qayaad thanked Taiwan ICDF for its continued technical assistance and cooperation with Somaliland’s agricultural sector.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Agricultural Development and the people of Somaliland, I sincerely thank Taiwan ICDF for its continued support, cooperation and technical assistance to Somaliland.”
He said Somaliland intended to maintain close cooperation with Taiwan ICDF, the Taiwan Technical Mission and other development partners.
“The ministry is committed to continuing its close cooperation with Taiwan ICDF, the Taiwan Technical Mission and all other development partners.”
According to the minister, the facility is expected to contribute to access to quality seeds, higher crop production, improved farming skills and greater food security.
“We hope this farm will contribute to the availability and use of quality seeds, increased crop production, improved farmers’ skills and food security in Somaliland.”
Taiwan says project opens new chapter in agricultural cooperation
Taiwan’s Ambassador to Somaliland, Allen C. Lou, said the launch represented a new stage in agricultural cooperation between Taiwan and Somaliland.
“Today’s launch is not only a demonstration of our joint efforts and achievements, but also the beginning of a new chapter in our agricultural partnership.”
According to the Taiwan office in Hargeisa, Taiwan and Somaliland previously worked together from 2021 to 2025 to increase vegetable and fruit production, improve crop quality, strengthen an earlier demonstration farm and transfer agricultural knowledge to local farmers.
Building on that cooperation, Taiwan and Somaliland signed a new agricultural implementing arrangement in December for 2026-2030 under the Seed Industry Development Project.
The new project places a particular focus on seeds as a foundation of agricultural production and food security.
New farm to support training and technology transfer
The new demonstration and training farm is expected to serve as a platform for agricultural demonstrations, training, technology transfer and capacity building.
Taiwan said the facility could develop into an agricultural hub supporting food security, climate resilience and agricultural transformation in Somaliland.
Ambassador Lou also emphasized the importance of cooperation between government institutions, technical experts and farmers.
“Sustainable cooperation requires strong partnership.”
Taiwan said its approach would combine its agricultural experience with the practical needs of Somaliland farmers and institutions.
The Taiwan Technical Mission also identified three areas for strengthening cooperation with Somaliland’s agricultural extension services:
- Coordinating agricultural extension teams with the Taiwan Technical Mission.
- Connecting extension teams with local farmers interested in learning modern agricultural techniques.
- Organizing workshops and agricultural activities that directly benefit farmers, including activities linked to World Food Day on Oct. 16.
Seed production placed at center of new project
The launch comes as Somaliland and Taiwan expand cooperation beyond agricultural demonstrations toward the development of a stronger seed industry.
The project is expected to provide farmers with greater exposure to improved agricultural practices while strengthening the capacity of agricultural officials, extension workers and students.
The Taiwan office in Hargeisa said the two sides would continue working toward a more resilient and food-secure Somaliland while expanding cooperation among Taiwan, Somaliland and other development partners.
Ambassador Lou summarized the broader objective of the partnership with a phrase he frequently uses:
“Food is our common language, and building climate resilience is our common goal.”
The launch of the new farm therefore marks another practical step in the Taiwan-Somaliland agricultural partnership, with the project focusing on training, technology transfer, seed production and improved agricultural productivity.
Prepared by:
HornPost staff
HARGEISA, Somaliland
